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Schumacher Has Strong Comeback Pace in Valencia

Michael Schumacher did not take long to get up to speed in the Formula One car on Monday, despite a long absence from competitive racing. The 7-time world champion took the wheel of the Mercedes W01 on Monday afternoon – taking over from teammate Nico Rosberg – and was immediately on pace.

Driving a 2010 car for the first time since his retirement back in 2006 – actually, he didn't get to drive a 2009 car either in recent months – Schu lapped the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia in a little over one minute and 14 seconds (1m14.255). Although that might seem like a poor time if we are to consider Felipe Massa's performance in the morning session, bear in mind that Schu recorded that time in his very first lap.

Also, he was only one and a half second shy of Pedro de la Rosa's best time in the BMW Sauber C29, but faster that his former Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello (driving the Williams FW32) and Robert Kubica (Renault R30).

As for Nico Rosberg, the German driver admitted his enthusiasm over driving the new car in Valencia, and told the media that his first impression of the W01 is nothing short of positive.

It felt great - although it is difficult to compare because there are so many things different with the fuel, the tires and the fuel levels you are running in testing, plus we haven't run on this track for a long time. So it is very difficult to compare. The first impressions of the car were very positive,” said Rosberg, according to Autosport.

Rosberg is scheduled to drive the W01 tomorrow, while Schumacher will return to the car's cockpit on Wednesday, for the final test of the Valencia meeting.
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